The Port of Helsinki is determining how to provide
shore power to ro-ro and lo-lo vessels in Vuosaari.

The Port is currently in the investigative phase of expanding its shore power supply: shipping companies are being interviewed and currently available equipment is being studied. The adequacy of the Port’s electrical network and potential locations for equipment are also being examined.

“We’ve also interviewed our stakeholders, such as vessel service providers, shipping companies and port operators,” says Jani Lindroos, Development Manager at the Port of Helsinki.
“We’re currently focusing on lo-lo vessels (that is, container ships), but we’re also keeping ro-ro vessels that transport trucks and trailers in mind.”

The study aims to provide a clear picture of what the new solutions will mean on the quayside. For example, how to lay cables so they won’t interfere with work or compromise the safety and efficiency of our operations.

“We’re also investigating how much the electricity network can withstand. Shore power will constitute a major addition to Vuosaari’s total electricity consumption, depending of course on how many ships are using it at once and what kind of power ranges vessels will require in the future,” says Lindroos.

Winter, snow and ice all pose challenges for daily operations at the port. How will mobile solutions work during the Finnish winter, for instance?

The Port of Helsinki has received EU funding to cover the costs of the studies and equipment required for supplying shore power to both lo-lo and ro-ro vessels. Vuosaari is already supplying ro-pax vessels with shore power.

EU regulations increase interest in shore power

The popularity of shore power is also being influenced by upcoming statutory regulations, that is, an EU Regulation that will come into force in 2030. Emissions trading, and even customer requirements, are also driving things in the same direction. New ships are now being equipped with the ability to use shore power from the outset.

Shore power is already being used by ships on Finnlines’ German route, both in Vuosaari and, from March 2025, also at their destination in Travemünde.

“Our goal is to have the first new shore power systems up and running in Vuosaari by 2027. Depending on ships’ ability to use shore power, additional systems can be built as demand grows,” says Lindroos.

“Developments are also in the pipeline for ro-ro vessels, and we’ll be able to agree on these matters directly with shipping companies. The berth where container ships are loaded and unloaded may change as well. This is because liner traffic and ro-ro traffic are very different with respect to shore power supply.”

Lindroos says that shore power is such a major issue that it will affect the design of the electricity network, and its impact may extend all the way to the national grid.  Especially as heavy machinery and vehicles are also being electrified at the port.